A furnishing does not always remain the same; trends and interiors change and as a result it can happen that a painting or photo also has to be moved. Hanging a painting or photo elsewhere is often not the problem, but the empty suspension point that remains. This often concerns a screw or hook that has been drilled into the wall with a plug, whereby repairing or repairing the hole does not always work well. However, there are a number of tips for repairing a hole in the wall as well as possible, so that the hole is hardly noticeable. Fixing a wall after removing a screw or plug isn’t too difficult, but the wrong actions can make things worse.
Removing a plug in the wall
If a suspension point in the form of a screw or hook has to be removed from the wall, a plug will often remain in the wall after unscrewing the screw. Removing the plug should be done with care, otherwise it could get a piece of the wall and accidentally enlarge the hole we want to fix. A plug can also remain in place, but then it must be deep enough in the wall.
Pull a plug out of the wall with a screw
Removing a plug is possible by not turning the screw in the plug all the way out, but leaving the end still in the plug. If there is no more screw in the plug, another screw can also be screwed into the plug for a small part. It is important that the screw is not screwed in too far, otherwise the plug will become too tight in the wall. However, the screw must be able to grip into the top plastic of the plug. Feel carefully on the screw to see if this is the case. If so, you can use a little more force and the screw will pull the plug out of the wall. Do this carefully and stop immediately if you see damage to the wall.
Cutting a plug instead of removing it
If it is not possible to remove the plug, it is also possible to cut the plug as deep in the wall as possible. Under no circumstances should a piece of plug stick out of the wall in that case. It is preferable to remove the plug completely. If you nevertheless choose to cut the plug, it is wise to do this with a sharp utility knife. This allows the plastic to be cut through with the tip from the center of the plug. Repeat this a number of times, because the first time you usually do not enter the plug deep enough with the knife.
Filling a hole after removing a screw
If the plug has been removed or cut, the hole must be filled. There are all kinds of means available to fill the hole, but the easiest means are sealant or foam filler. Which means can be used depends very much on the type of wall. If it is a white tile wall, it is easiest to seal the hole in the hope that it does not stand out too much. Foam filler is preferred for other, non-tiled, walls. This is a very easy to use product that does not need to be mixed first and is also very light. This means that the agent does not run out of the hole. Please note that foam filler can only be used with small holes, for larger holes the agent is not strong enough. Another possibility in this case is to remove the entire tile and to move another tile again. Most living room walls, however, will not be tiled, but rather covered with stucco, paintwork or wallpaper. Foam filler is preferred for these other, non-tiled walls. This is a very easy to use product that does not need to be mixed first and is also very light. As a result, the agent does not run out of the hole. Please note that foam filler can only be used with small holes, for larger holes the agent is not strong enough.
Fill a hole with foam filler
If a wall is plastered, repairing a hole is relatively easy. Due to the texture in the wall, a hole is hardly noticeable if it is properly filled with foam filler. Take a small tip of foam filler with a putty knife and push it into the hole. If it is a wall with a lot of texture, it is wise not to take too much foam putty on the putty knife and really push the putty into the hole. If it is a flat wall, more can be picked up and the filler can be applied in the hole in one smooth movement. Do this by starting slightly off the hole with a movement as if you were brushing it off. This means that on the one hand the hole is filled by the foam filler, but on the other hand, the excess filler is immediately removed. Repeat this a few times until the hole is closed and the wall is flat.
Paint over filler without color difference
If the wall is painted, the filled hole must be painted over. Do not do this by painting an entire spot around the hole, but dot the hole with a brush, as it were. As a result, a small color difference is not so noticeable.
Restore or repair a hole in the wallpaper
If it concerns a wall with wallpaper, the hole should still be filled with foam filler. Be careful that the filler does not get over the wallpaper. When this is done, a piece of the wallpaper motif can be cut out and a new piece of wallpaper can be attached. If this is not possible, a whole new strip of wallpaper can also be applied. The risk is that the hanging wallpaper has become somewhat discolored by, for example, sunlight, and the new job stands out. Removing a small piece of suitable wallpaper in the wall and sticking a new piece of wallpaper in it is therefore preferred and is the least noticeable.